This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal
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Thursday, November 22, 2007

Improved accountability: Rudd commits, PM silent

The transcript of Kevin Rudd's Q and A following his National Press Club address is here, courtesy of Margot Kingston's webdiary. The commitments include an undertaking for a minister to hold a general press conference following each Cabinet meeting, improved accountability and review processes in the Senate, FOI reform, and ensuring ministerial staff are held to account for any involvement in executive responsibilities such as the allocation of government grants.

Accountability issues don't appear to have had a mention in the Prime Minister's Press Club address today. Or, more's the pity, to have been raised by journalists in questions afterwards. Whatever happened to the follow up to the Prime Minister's comment early in the campaign (23 October to be precise) that more would be said about Freedom of Information "later in the campaign"?

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About Me

Peter Timmins is an Australian lawyer and consultant who works on FOI and privacy protection issues in Sydney, NSW. He has Arts and Laws (Honours) degrees
from the University of Sydney, and has been involved in the FOI field for 25 years.Peter is an experienced public speaker and commentator. See In the News and Testimonials, and Career Summary for more details on background and experience.